How American Toads Attract Mates with a Loud Croak

The American toad is one of the most well-known toad species throughout North America. Its notable warts and big, round eyes differentiate it from other species, but its call is also unique. You might be unfamiliar with the sounds of this unusual amphibian, but you’ve undoubtedly heard it in your backyard at dusk. Most toads are much closer than you might realize, and you’ll be surprised at what they look like when they croak. This YouTube short captured an American toad up close, and we’re here to explain exactly how and why they look so strange during mating season.

The Life of an American Toad

If you’ve ever spent evenings near ponds, lakes, or rivers, you’ve likely heard an American toad. Since they start as tadpoles, they require a freshwater source for their first phase of life. Aside from that, the only other requirement is dense vegetation. American toads live on a diet of insects, which are abundant near water sources. Therefore, you might even find them around your pool or backyard ponds. They’re commonly found in gardens, around farms, hiding in bushes, or under decks on hot days. If you live near the woods, your chances of stumbling upon a toad are even greater.

Toads start as tadpoles and mature within 70 days. By this time, they have grown significantly, developed four limbs, and have textured skin. The adult American toad quickly moves to land and begins its search for two things: food and a mate. The mating season typically starts around April and lasts until July. Toads know when to begin searching for a mate based on temperature changes. Once the season turns warmer, they go on the hunt, and males have a unique way of attracting the perfect female.

Someone Will Kiss This Toad

Despite the jokes about kissing toads, these tiny amphibians have quite a complex body structure. The top of its head has unique cranial divots and ridges, which differentiate it from other toads, such as Fowler’s. They can be multiple shades of brown, some with red or green speckles, and all have cream-colored bellies. The warts on their backs and legs are poison glands. These are used as a defense mechanism against predators and deter enemies from attacking them. The toxin within is called bufotoxin, and contrary to popular belief, it does not cause warts in humans. However, they do secrete a substance from behind their eyes, which can cause irritation and toxicity if ingested. Therefore, it’s always important to wash your hands if you come into contact with a toad. The greater threat is to predators who intend to eat the toad.

While they may seem like undesirable companions, toads often have a busy mating season. In the YouTube short, this toad is emitting a mating call. Also known as an “Advertisement Call,” this attracts nearby females and lets them know a male is waiting. This call also serves as a vocal warning to other toads in the area. American toads are not overtly territorial, but they can become more territorial during mating season. You are most likely to hear these calls during late spring and summer, typically at dusk or in the evening. They’re common near bodies of water, as this is the best place to lay eggs once mating has been completed.

The Call Heard Far and Wide

An American toad’s mating call travels far. The distance depends on the weather, the surrounding area, and the location of the toad, but calls can travel up to 230 feet. Each call can last up to 30 seconds, increasing the chances that a female will hear it. Depending on the situation, a call might be shorter, lasting only six seconds at most. To make this call, American toads use a vocal sac located underneath their chin. This is visible in the video as a bubble-like sac that fills with air, producing the sound you hear during mating season.

Once a male has attracted a mate, a unique ritual called amplexus commences. During amplexus, the male latches onto the female, who then releases eggs into the water. The male fertilizes the eggs, which remain in the water until they hatch, almost two weeks later. American toads typically compete for females during what’s known as a “breeding frenzy.” This is why you may hear the calls of numerous toads on a hot summer night. Sometimes, a female may attract more than one male suitor. This can be dangerous because mating takes place near the water, and if too many males try to mate, the female is at risk of drowning. Thankfully, the toads in this YouTube Short seem relatively calm!